The intricate carvings whispered tales of centuries past. Wat Loi Kroh stood before us a testament to time.
This ancient temple holds a fascinating history. Built in 1456 during the reign of King Kue Na of the Mengrai Dynasty it’s a significant piece of Chiang Mai’s heritage. Wat Loi Kroh is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living record of Lanna artistry and religious devotion.
Imagine the skilled artisans painstakingly carving the intricate stucco patterns. They depicted birds in gilt around the archway’s top. These weren’t mere decorations. The Lanna incantation characters were meant to bring good fortune to all who passed through. Above the doorway murals portrayed Buddha images in various mudras. They sat above zodiac animal symbols. A vibrant and colorful mural inside the viharn depicted figures paying reverence to a central Buddha image. Deva figures floated amidst a representation of Buddhist hell. Suffering souls pleaded for mercy in a conflagration.
The chedi is a unique sight. Its placement was unconventional. The boundary wall’s proximity forced it to the courtyard’s other side. This Lanna-style chedi has a high square base with indented corners. Each side features four niches with standing Buddha images. Their mudra—both hands placed on the chest—is unusual. Deva images kneel on the base in the Anjali pose. Gilded chattras and large gilded birds add to its splendor.
The ubosot next to the viharn faces east. It boasts a two-tiered overlapping split roof. The nagas along the bargeboards and chofas are fiercer than usual. The entrance nagas have open mouths. The makaras disgorging them have actual teeth. The ubosot’s facade shows carved gilt foliate work. Floral motifs contrast the dark brown background. A white Buddha image sits inside the porch.
The sala building near the entrance is grand. Its facade resembles a viharn. The roofline features hamsas and a gilt hti. Elephant heads adorn the chofas instead of eagles. The two-story ho rakang bell tower is unique. It houses the bell in an enclosure with a balustrade and gabled roof. The ground floor features a “fat monk” and other stucco figures.
Wat Loi Kroh is not just a temple. It’s a treasure trove of history art and spirituality. Its beauty and significance endure. They continue to captivate visitors from around the world. It’s a site to linger in to absorb the details. To feel the spiritual energy that permeates this sacred space.